NOVEL NEXT Chapter 114.2
When You’re Tired, Take A Warm Bath With Bath Salts
As expected, Ali buried his face in his hands after hearing the explanation.
Of course, while the term “bath salts” didn’t exist in this world, similar items did—essential oils, fruit peels, salts, and so on. Such things were luxuries enjoyed by the wealthy, often used to enhance one’s scent and maintain proper grooming.
However, the bath salts Yuuri had created were entirely different. By tossing in various ingredients based on the Japanese concept of bath salts, he inadvertently infused them with moisturizing and relaxation effects. They not only provided a pleasant scent but also enriched the water with components that hydrated the skin. This wasn’t merely about enjoying a fragrance—it went far beyond that. In short, the effectiveness had exceeded all reasonable expectations.
While Ali lectured Yuuri, the other members, freshly returned, took their turns bathing. The hideout was equipped with three baths: two larger communal baths, one designated for men and the other for women, each fitting 4–5 people, and a smaller bath for individual use when schedules didn’t align. Additionally, there were separate showers. The former leader of the hideout, who had insisted that “baths are essential for life”, had ensured these facilities were built.
The men’s bath was infused with a citrus fragrance, while the women’s bath carried a lavender scent. The choices were purely intuitive—the men got something reminiscent of food, and the women got floral scents. No one overthought it.
“Look, Yuuri.”
“Yes?”
“…Doesn’t it feel like the effects of your bath salts are ridiculously overpowered?”
“Well… everyone’s happy with smoother skin…”
“…”
“…And relieved insomnia makes everyone happier…”
“…”
“…And the calming effect? Perfect for recovering from a long day?”
Yuuri tried to gloss it over with a smile, but Ali wasn’t having it. If Ali were the type to be easily appeased, he wouldn’t have been perpetually exasperated as Yuuri’s de facto guardian. Though intimidating in appearance, Ali was a reasonable man. Perhaps adopting such a trouble-prone kid had been his downfall, but it was his responsibility now.
“…Seriously, these effects are way too strong.”
“Well… I didn’t mean for that…”
“If you hadn’t made them, I wouldn’t have to lecture you.”
“…I’m sorry.”
Yuuri nodded apologetically. He hadn’t anticipated the bath salts’ abilities being so enhanced. He’d thought that at most, they’d just smell nicer. Instead, they ended up offering therapeutic benefits on par with aromatherapy. The unexpected healing effects were almost frightening.
Of course, Yuuri himself had wondered how it had come to this. But since the bath salts weren’t harmful and had only positive effects, he decided it was fine and kept going. As usual.
“Oh, but they also seem to ease muscle fatigue, so for everyone’s sake…”
“That’s not what I’m talking about, is it?”
“…Right.”
“Don’t look away. And under no circumstances are these to be shared outside, understood?”
“…Yes.”
While merely explaining their existence and method wouldn’t be too much of an issue, distributing the bath salts Yuuri had made posed a risk. Their effects were simply too extraordinary. It was fine to use them internally within their group, but exposing them to outsiders could lead to widespread awareness of Yuuri’s unconventional abilities.
“And Yuuri.”
“Yes?”
“If word gets out about the moisturizing and beautifying effects, you know who’s going to show up.”
“…What?”
“If that idiot finds out, they’ll come charging in.”
“…Oh no.”
Yuuri stared blankly into the distance, already picturing the scene. Even without being told, it was easy to imagine that person showing up uninvited—or figuring something out just by looking at the skin of someone who had used the bath salts. That individual had an unyielding passion for beauty. The glamorous one, blessed with natural good looks, never ceased striving for perfection. Yuuri recalled the shampoo incident from the other day and shuddered.
“Um… Ali-san, what if I give Leone-san a sample as a gift…?”
“…Call Haros tomorrow. And bring me the materials. I’ll handle the alchemy.”
“…Understood.”
Though he sighed heavily, Ali proposed a compromise. He was lenient when it came to Yuuri, as he was with anyone he considered part of the group. It was this kindness that often led him to shoulder extra burdens.
As the two had predicted, a few days later, the glamorous figure stormed into the hideout, exclaiming, “What have you made this time?!”